This blog explores individuals and organizations that are evolving by practicing self-reflection, participating in training and development, and building and sustaining communities. Visit regularly for a dose of Becoming.

11/28/2009

As the end of the year approaches, it is an ideal time to take a personal inventory, which can help you unleash the best within and around you and reach a more balanced life.

By the way, this post is adapted from a training class I developed while working as a corporate training specialist at Delaware Investments (www.delawareinvestments.com).I will share each of the steps for taking a personal inventory in a series of five posts.When I reach the end of the series, I will be happy to share the original PowerPoint presentation with anyone who is interested.

Ready for the first step?I know I am!

TAKING A PERSONAL INVENTORY – STEP 1

Develop a Personal Brand for Yourself

Before you can begin moving toward unleashing your best and achieving more balance, you must understand who you are at the core.Here are some questions you can ask yourself to develop your personal brand.

What makes me stand out from every other person around me?

What unique value do I share with my family, friends, colleagues, and others?

At the end of my life, how do I want people to remember me?What do I want to be famous for?

Use the answers to these questions to come up with a personal brand statement.Here’s my example:

My name is Brian Fishbone, and I use my passion for education, entrepreneurship, and community building to help others grow personally and professionally.I am at my best when I am helping others do, be, and feel better.

Once you have a statement you like, put it on an index card and post it where you can look at it every day.It should become a part of you, and then you can share the best of you when you meet new people.

I’ll end this post with some next steps for refining and sharing your personal brand with others.

Refine your statement.Who can you ask for input?Who knows you best?

Seek opportunities to live your brand in your work and in your personal life.What are some activities you can do that align with who you are at the core?

Enjoy living your brand!How can you reward yourself when you see your brand in action?

I hope this first installment of Taking a Personal Inventory is helpful.If you’re inspired, I welcome you to post the statement you come up with as a comment on this site.You can also feel free to reach out to me if you need any help.